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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Lucky Number 13 - Donna Alward




Today is my wedding anniversary. Well...actually it's OUR wedding anniversary. Regardless, thirteen years ago today, I stepped into a church in a heavy gown during one of the warmest days of our autumn, and said I do to the darling husband in front of family and friends.


If anyone had told me at that moment that thirteen years later we would have lived across the country, had two children, that I would become a published author and my husband would have the job he does - after moving BACK across the country - I would have laughed long and hard.

The truth is, no one knows exactly what the future holds, or where the decisions you make will ultimately lead you. Throw in other stresses, illnesses, child rearing, job changes...I realize that staying together really is a gigantic feat.

And it hasn't always been pretty. So yay us!

But you know, that's marriage. You can't live with someone 24/7 for years on end and not have conflicts that pop up. We're human. It's fun at times and it's work at times and when push comes to shove, at the end of a hard day, I know he's a shoulder to lean on. I can count on him. And I hope he can count on me in the same way.


Look at us...wow. I look so young...and so much THINNER! And there's definitely more grey in the dh's hair these days. He says it's from being married to me, but I don't believe him.

When we got married, I thought I'd cry. I was all set with waterproof mascara and my maid of honour had tissues. After all, I'm the waterworks in the family. Turns out it was HIM that did the crying, and wiped his eyes with a Dairy Queen napkin. We were on the alert for a squirrel that had been loose in the church and was living under the steps. We relaxed during a limo ride with some champagne and had our pictures taken at a gazebo with the changing leaves around us. After the reception we danced, and danced...and laughed a lot.

It was a good start...champagne, dancing, laughing, and the odd rogue rodent. It certainly set the pattern for our lives together.


Today I'm celebrating by using up my birthday present - a gift certificate for a day of pampering at the spa. The rest of the day...I'm not sure...but I'm guessing it'll continue with a nice dinner at home, and a bottle of wine after the kids are in bed. I'd suggest pulling out the wedding video...or the albums...but we seem to be more the type to celebrate the here and now.


How do you celebrate anniversaries?


8 comments:

squiresj said...

Happy Anniversary. I bet you got married younger than me. I was 29 when I married my husband who was 32. I held out for the perfect one. He isn't perfect by any means but he knows what a committment is. We have been married 29 years and it never gets any easier.
We have always went out to eat basically on our anniversary is all. We even took the girls along when they were young - after all they were part of our lives and we would celebrate as a family. I have had some anniversaries where all we could do was hug each other and tell each other we still loved each other. There was no money because of job lay offs, illness, or other things. But we have always told each other Happy Anniversary.
It took me years to convince my husband I loved lived flowers. I finally got him to buy my hanging plants as he felt he was wasting money on flowers that would die. Now I am the one who would not waste the money.
God Bless.
Oh - I weighed only 120 when I married and I wouldn't want to give my weight now due to prednisone putting lots of weight on me.

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary! I havent gotten to really celebrate my anniversary in the last 7 years. I have been married 9 1/2 years, but 7 years ago my son was my biggest and best anniversary present. So since his birthday is the same day all planning and monies go to him, I figure it will be that way until he is about 18. lol

Donna Alward said...

I did marry younger! I was 23. We met when I was just 19 and I just KNEW.

We've had lots of anniversaries where we might just share a hug and kiss and I might make something special for dinner...we are not a couple that gets a sitter often, or spends money on going out, or even having big celebrations. I guess we just look forward to special moments all year through, rather than one single day.

Maureen said...

Congratualations on your anniversary. We usually celebrate by going out to dinner. Have a great day!

Annie West said...

Donna, congratulations on your wedding anniversary. It's lovely to be in a happy relationship with the right man.

I was a child bride (20) so we won't discuss how many anniversaries I've had. Most years we celebrate by a special home cooked meal. The sort of thing that takes hours in the kitchen by one or other or both of us, and it makes it a wonderful occasion.

Recently though for a milestone anniversary my dh organised a short trip to Auckland (New Zealand) from our home on the East Coast of Australia. Fantastic! Very laid back and lots of fun. Great new memories to cherish.

Hope you and your husband have a wonderful day.

Annie

Estella said...

Happy Anniversary!
My husband and I just exchange cards.

EllenToo said...

Happy Anniversary - May you have many, many more.

cheryl c said...

Happy anniversary! I loved the pictures.

My husband and I do something special like go to a play or to dinner. Biggie anniversaries are celebrated with a trip. On our
20th we went to Hawaii, and for our 30th anniversary we took an Alaskan cruise.